~ Gita Journey is a straightforward, modern, contemporary, basic explanation and commentary of the Bhagawat Gita, with Sanskrit to English word meanings. Each shloka (verse) is explained in detail. An introduction to the Bhagavad Gita along with study resources can also be found here. A summary of each chapter of the Bhagavad Gita is also included. It does not matter whether you are a student, a retiree, a professional, a mom, a dad or a housewife – no prior knowledge is needed.

Sanjaya said:In this manner, I heard this wonderful conversation of Vaasudeva and of the great-souled Paartha, which makes the hair stand on end.Through the grace of Vyaasa, I heard this secret of supreme yoga directly from the lord of yogas, while he was himself speaking.O King, as I repeatedly recall this wonderful, sacred conversation between Keshava and Arjuna, I delight again and again.And as I repeatedly recall that extremely wonderful form of Hari, I am struck with astonishment, O King. And I delight again and again.

We now get to hear Sanjaya words as he conveys his reaction to King Dhritaraashtra. He now refers to Arjuna as a mahaatmaa, since Arjuna had realized the nature of his true self. He refers to the conversation between Shri Krishna and Arjuna as adbhuta, which means fascinating, marvellous, wonderful. It made his hair stand on end, such was the level of his amazement. Although Sanjay had his own reasons for expressing his wonder, which we shall see now, from our standpoint, it is indeed fascinating that we are able to study the text that was created by ancient Rishis several thousand years ago. Furthermore, such knowledge is rare to find in this material obsessed world, that is what makes it even more fascinating.

One of the reasons for Sanjaya’s excitement is that he was able to listen to the Gita live, in real-time, not second-hand. This was made possible by a divine boon granted to him by Sage Veda Vyaasa. This boon was previously offered to Dhritraashtra who refused it, since he did not want to witness the destruction of his sons. Sanjaya praises Sage Vyaasa for granting this boon to him. It enabled him to hear the teaching of the Gita, the ultimate manual of yoga, from the lord of all yogas himself, Shri Krishna. Yoga, in this context, refers to that which can unite the finite with the infinite.

Another benefit of the boon to Sanjaya was the ability to view the Vishwa roopa, Ishvara’s cosmic form, exactly as seen by Arjuna. No one besides Arjuna ans Sanjaya were able to see this form. As we recall, this form invoked wonder and fear in Arjuna, who had a reputation of not getting afraid of anyone or anything. This form had such an impact on Sanjaya that he repeatedly recalled this form to memory, and rejoiced every time he recalled it. Sanjaya referred to the teaching as punyam, that which is sacred, that which purifies its listener.